By Tracie Sullivan, For Iron County Today
Iron County officials are proposing a property tax increase to generate $1.2 million in additional revenue. If approved, it would take effect in 2025, adding $35.60 annually for a home valued at $418,000.
Combined with the recent 18.7% increase from the school district, which added an average of $172 to tax bills, the total hike would raise property taxes by over $200 — an added burden for homeowners already facing inflation.
The school district’s hike, implemented this year after a Truth in Taxation hearing, could be followed by further increases if a proposed bond measure on the upcoming ballot passes.
` While Iron County is the fastest-growing county in Utah, the need for law enforcement, infrastructure, and public health has outgrown the current funding, officials said. Yet the new growth has brought in only about $120,000 annually, based on the 2003 tax rate — the last time commissioners raised taxes.
“That doesn’t even pay for one new officer and a new truck for the sheriff’s office, but as we grow, we have to increase services. The demand for services has outpaced our ability to maintain them without additional funding,” Iron County Auditor Luke Little said.
Amid these challenges, the county’s budget is also grappling with a 14% surge in insurance premiums this year, adding nearly $500,000 to their bills.
The increase is much higher than the usual 2% to 5% rises in previous years, said Human Resources Director Jennifer Bradbury.
“Inflation has impacted everything we do,” Bradbury said. “Our broker worked hard to find lower rates, but this was the best option available. It’s crucial to offer good benefits for our employees because we can’t always match private-sector salaries.”
Beyond insurance, officials said inflation has also affected costs across all county operations, from fuel and equipment to basic supplies.
Commissioner Marilyn Wood said the decision to propose a tax increase wasn’t taken lightly.
“We’ve been really conservative, but just like inflation affects everyone’s pocketbook, it affects the government too,” she said. “Everything has gone up, from fuel to tires for our trucks and supplies. We are paying higher prices for everything just like everyone else is.”
The county began 2020 with $20 million in reserves, which increased to $30 million due to COVID relief funds. Much of this money was initially intended for the new jail, but officials said rising day-to-day expenses forced the county to tap into these reserves. Meanwhile, the cost of constructing the jail surged to $90 million — far beyond initial estimates.
A Truth in Taxation hearing is scheduled for November 8 at 6 p.m. at Festival Hall, located at 105 N 100 E, Cedar City. County officials encourage residents to attend, voice their opinions, and learn more about the proposed property tax increase and its potential impact.